Local designers launch men's jewelry lines

Bands of Brothers

Published: 2012.11.16 12:43 PM

The jewelry display at Oliver Men's Shop

This just in. We're getting word of absolute chaos breaking out in the Kailua area. Initial reports indicate that pigs may be flying and... hold on, I'm getting an update right now... yes, we have confirmation that hell is indeed freezing over.

Experts have traced the origin to Oliver Men's Shop, where two local designers have ventured into strange new territory known as men's jewelry. Little is known about the phenomenon, but from what we understand, it involves casual, raw, textured pieces designed to elevate the wearer's style from simple to sexy.

To get the inside scoop, we turn straight to the designers themselves, Justine Jones of JbyJ, and Amanda Watkins of a.wattz.

JbyJ by Justine Jones

Why did you decide to launch a men's jewelry line?JJ: It adds that certain something to the male style. The ones who wear it have the confidence to not care what other men think and I love that.AW: I've always wanted to make men's jewelry but there wasn't really a venue for it in Hawaii. Enter Oliver (Men's Shop).

How would you describe your line?JJ: I use similar materials in my women's line of jewelry (Jewelry by Justine), like African trade beads, nylon cording and decorative buttons. I also created leather cording with skeleton keys, river rock stones strung through ball chains with other talisman-type charms, and woven nylon bracelets on cording with huge metal clasps for a nautical feel.AW: The pieces are somewhat similar to my women's line, but more manly, like shark tooth pendants that go from rose gold to dark oxidized silver, and macrame bracelets that range from dainty to chunky. Now that I have an outlet for these designs, I will be adding more to the line.

a.wattz by Amanda Watkins

What is your favorite piece from the collection?JJ: My favorite piece is the chain of a 50-year-old rosary on which I added an African pendant and a coin from the Middle East. I love melding cultures and religions together in my pieces in the hope of a more harmonious world.AW: The long oxidized silver large shark tooth necklace is my favorite. I can just imagine a man wearing it in a simple white tee and jeans. You can't get much sexier than that in my book.

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Lei Chic is an email and shopping blog that plugs you into Hawai‘i’s newest and hottest boutiques, designers, trends, spas and salons, and more. You’ll also discover all the cool events, dinners and sales happening around town in our Weekend Picks every Thursday. With Lei Chic, you’ll get the inside scoop on what everyone will be talking about tomorrow—in your inbox today.

Lei Chic Editor Natalie Schack has been a cultural anthropology student, museum worker bee and dabbler in graphic design. When she isn’t scouting new fashion, compiling to-do lists or crafting puns, Natalie spends her free time dreaming up elaborate picnic ideas; “researching” via YouTube tutorials, blogs and Instagram; and dusting off her pith helmet for the next adventure life throws her way.